Hello J & J,

If you wanted to you could make your own prototype. You could make your form from molding clay. This stuff is easy to work with and it lets you make as complex a shape as you could need with curves or patterns. Once ready you then lay paper mache onto your form, let dry, trim to size and paint as needed. I hope this helps.

Ron

I agree with Ron – the prototype does not have to be made out of “original” material. If curves and waves are to be shown, clay would work very well.
(I have just finished a prototype of a product that suppose to be made out of wood – I made it using carton (sorry fedex guys); and another my prototype is made out of plywood while the original product suppose to be made out of plastic)

That is a great idea Ron! I see exactly how this could be played around with and worked, and Irina your carton gives me another good idea! Wow thanks guys I really apprecite the replies! We have been going crazy on this particular project lol.
Joey

Joey and Jenean,

You can make your own prototype out of homemade paper pulp. I have a paper making kit I found at a craft store. But here is a video that explains the process.

http://www.howcast.com/videos/191499-How-To-Mak...

When your paper is still damp you should be able to mold it (in a bowl or around something with the shape you desire).

Margaret,

Craft / Hobby stores are like the Holy Grail… A couple of times a month I wander through my local store aimlessly, looking at EVERYTHING I pass. And more often than not, I find something that works perfect for one of my projects.

Yesterday I went there and spent $4.15 on 2 items, brought them home and finished a rough, yet functional, prototype in about an hour. Now I’m just waiting for my 12-yr old boy to get home from school so he can man the video camera.

Good Luck to everyone!

:0)